Computational Study of Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability Created by Interaction of the Mainstream Flow and the Seal Flow in Gas Turbines

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Rabs ◽  
F.-K. Benra ◽  
C. Domnick ◽  
O. Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Gas Flow ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Splitter Plate ◽  
Parameter Study ◽  
Test Rig ◽  
Hot Gas ◽  
Mainstream Flow

The present paper gives a contribution to a better understanding of the emergence of Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities (KHI) in gas turbines. In an earlier paper of the authors, the occurrence of the KHI’s near the rim cavity of a 1.5 stage gas turbine has been examined by use of CFD methods. It is shown that the KHI’s occur, when the swirl component of the hot gas flow is very strong. Due to the fact, that a high swirl is produced by the guide vanes of the first stage, this matter concerns all common gas turbines. In order to get a basic theoretical background of the emergence of the KHI’s, 2D CFD investigations of the flow behind a splitter plate have been performed showing the development of KHI’s downstream of the splitter plate. To validate the numerical results a comparison to test rig data is used. This shows that the numerical method can simulate the characteristics of the KHI’s. Furthermore, a parameter study is conducted to extract parameters describing the appearance of KHI’s, the vortex periodicity and stability criteria. The main intention of this paper is to deliver “KHI parameters”, which are able to describe the development of the KHI in gas turbine rim cavities.

Emergence of Kelvin-Helmholtz Instabilities in Gas Turbine Rim Cavities: A Parameter Study

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Rabs ◽  
F.-K. Benra ◽  
O. Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Linear Theory ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Gas Flow ◽  
Splitter Plate ◽  
Parameter Study ◽  
Plate Model ◽  
Cavity Model ◽  
Hot Gas ◽  
Vortex Velocity

In an earlier paper of the authors, the occurrence of the so called Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities (KHI) near the rim cavity of a 1.5 stage gas turbine has been examined by the use of CFD methods. It is shown that the KHI’s occur, when the swirl component of the hot gas flow is very strong. Due to the fact, that a high swirl is produced by the guide vanes of the first stage, this matter concerns most common gas turbines. A further paper validated the CFD methods used and derived KHI parameters (vortex appearance, vortex periodicity and vortex velocity) of a splitter plate model. In the current study, essential parameters revealed by the analysis of a gas turbine rim cavity model are compared to the parameters extracted from the investigation of the splitter plate model and the potential linear theory of Turner. The rim cavity model is derived from a test rig of a 1.5 stage gas turbine. The blades and vanes have been removed from the computations. As main flow boundary conditions, surface averaged parameters are used. It is shown that a description of KHI developing in a rim cavity model is partly possible using splitter plate KHI characteristics and the potential linear theory of Turner as well. A mathematical approach is formulated, which can predict the vortex velocity of KHI’s in turbine rim cavities.

A Combustion Study of Gas Turbines Using Multi-Species/Reacting Computational Fluid Dynamic

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasan Armand ◽  
Mei Chen
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Monoxide ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Environmental Contamination ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Gas Flow ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Combustion Products ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Hot Gas

A multi-species/reacting combustion study was performed. The focus of the study was to quantify the effects of variation in air extraction and power rates on flame/outlet temperatures of a General Electric (GE), Frame 5 gas turbine. The environmental contamination level due to generation of carbon monoxide was also reported. GE, Frame 5 gas turbine has been widely used around the world for power generation, and as mechanical drives. The combustion products were examined throughout a range of air extraction rates, upon which it was determined that the combustion liners were susceptible to damage at air extraction rates above 10%, and the environmental contamination level due to carbon monoxide was increased. Furthermore, the gas flow exiting the combustion liner became non-homogeneous (i.e. a pocket of relatively hot gas formed in the middle of the flow path), which would cause damage to the downstream components. In conclusion, the short-term monetary gains from using compressed air from a gas turbine do not justify the costs of down time for repairs and the replacement of expensive hot-gas-path components.

scholarly journals Experimental Assessment of Fiber Reinforced Ceramics for Combustor Walls

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Filsinger ◽  
S. Münz ◽  
A. Schulz ◽  
S. Wittig ◽  
G. Andrees
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Gas Flow ◽  
Ceramic Materials ◽  
Inlet Temperature ◽  
Test Duration ◽  
Fiber Reinforced ◽  
Hot Gas ◽  
Sic Composites

Experimental and theoretical work concerning the application of ceramic components in small high temperature gas turbines has been performed for several years. The significance of some non-oxide ceramic materials for gas turbines in particular is based on their excellent high temperature properties. The application of ceramic materials allows an increase of the turbine inlet temperature resulting in higher efficiencies and a reduction of pollution emissions. The inherent brittleness of monolithic ceramic materials can be virtually reduced by reinforcement with ceramic fibers leading to a quasi-ductile behavior. Unfortunately, some problems arise due to oxidation of these composite materials in the presence of hot gas flow containing oxygen. At the Motoren- und Turbinen Union, München GmbH, comprehensive investigations including strength, oxidation, and thermal shock tests of several materials that seemed to be appropriate for combustor liner applications were undertaken. As a result, C/C, SiC/SiC, and two C/SiC-composites coated with SiC, as oxidation protection, were chosen for examination in a gas turbine combustion chamber. To prove the suitability of these materials under real engine conditions, the fiber reinforced flame tubes were installed in a small gas turbine operating under varying conditions. The loading of the flame tubes was characterized by wall temperature measurements. The materials showed different oxidation behavior when exposed to the hot gas flow. Inspection of the C/SiC-composites revealed debonding of the coatings. The C/C- and the SiC/SiC-materials withstood the tests with a maximum cumulated test duration of 90 hours without damage.

A Combustion Study of Gas Turbines Using Multi-Species/Reacting Computational Fluid Dynamic

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasan Armand ◽  
Mei Chen
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Monoxide ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Environmental Contamination ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Gas Flow ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Combustion Products ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Hot Gas

A multi-species/reacting combustion study was performed. The focus of the study was to quantify the effects of variation in air extraction and power rates on flame/outlet temperatures of a General Electric (GE), Frame 5 gas turbine. The environmental contamination level due to generation of carbon monoxide was also reported. GE, Frame 5 gas turbine has been widely used around the world for power generation, and as mechanical drives. The combustion products were examined throughout a range of air extraction rates, upon which it was determined that the combustion liners were susceptible to damage at air extraction rates above 10%, and the environmental contamination level due to carbon monoxide was increased. Furthermore, the gas flow exiting the combustion liner became non-homogeneous (i.e. a pocket of relatively hot gas formed in the middle of the flow path), which would cause damage to the downstream components. In conclusion, the short-term monetary gains from using compressed air from a gas turbine do not justify the costs of down time for repairs and the replacement of expensive hot-gas-path components.

A test rig for investigations of gas turbine combustor cooling concepts under realistic operating conditions

2008 ◽  
Vol 222 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Behrendt ◽  
Ch Hassa
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Flow ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Test Sample ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Test Rig ◽  
Hot Gas ◽  
Elevated Pressures ◽  
Low Emission

In the current paper, a new test rig for the characterization of advanced combustor cooling concepts for gas turbine combustors is presented. The test rig is designed to allow investigations at elevated pressures and temperatures representing realistic operating conditions of future lean low emission combustors. The features and capabilities of the test rig in comparison to existing rigs are described. The properties of the hot gas flow are measured in order to provide the necessary data for a detailed analysis of the measured cooling effectivity of combustor wall test samples. Results of the characterization of the velocity and temperature distribution in the hot gas flow at the leading edge of the test sample at pressures up to p = 10 bar and global flame temperatures up to TF = 2000 K are presented.

Numerical Investigations of Flow Pattern and Heat Transfer in a Rotating Cavity Between Two Discs of the Compressor of a Siemens KWU V84.3 Gas Turbine

1995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter Bohn ◽  
Uwe Krüger ◽  
Klaus Nitsche
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Mass Flow ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Gas Flow ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Numerical Investigations ◽  
Hot Gas ◽  
Start Up ◽  
First Results

The rotor of modern gas turbines often consists of single discs forming air-filled rotating cavities. During stationary operation each disc in the compressor section is of nearly uniform temperature. This results from the radial heat conduction in the disc material and from the negligible axial temperature gradients between surface and air in the adjacent cavities. The situation changes rapidly during cold start-ups of the engine. The disc rims respond quickly to the temperature of the mainstream (500 to 600 K), whereas the average temperature of the massive hub section follows with some delay thus forming a radial thermal gradient. This induces a buoyancy-driven flow inside the cavity, which is superimposed by a controlled hot gas ingress. A defined amount of hot air flows radially inwards through the Hirth-type serration at the head of the discs, causes increased convection within the cavity and speeds up the thermal equilibration process in the discs. Numerical investigations of the very complex flow situation have been carried out to get a better knowledge of both the flow-physics and the heat transfer from the hot fluid to the cold rotating wall. A modern numerical Finite-Volume-Code with multiblock and body-fitted grid-options has been used to calculate three different cases: one cavity without hot gas ingress and two cases with two different mass flow parameters. The boundary conditions have been chosen in such a way that they cover real gas turbine conditions at the very beginning of the start-up. The most stringent case has been investigated, i. e. the head of the discs and the hot gas mass flow having the mainstream temperature while the discs in the hub region remain at ambient temperature. It has been found that in the case without throughflow the core-region rotates approximately with the speed of a solid body. In the case of superimposed hot gas flow directed radially inwards, the flow has the character of a potential-vortex-flow, with exception of the regions near the wall. The hot gas is transported to the hub-region so that the heat transfer in this region is very large in the first period of the start-up-procedure. Some aspects are presented which should be investigated in more detail in future work, especially the 3-D effects and the conjugate heat transfer. First results of a 3-D calculation are shown.

Experimental Assessment of Fiber-Reinforced Ceramics for Combustor Walls

1997 ◽  
Vol 123 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Filsinger ◽  
S. Mu¨nz ◽  
A. Schulz ◽  
S. Wittig ◽  
G. Andrees
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Gas Flow ◽  
Ceramic Materials ◽  
Inlet Temperature ◽  
Test Duration ◽  
Fiber Reinforced ◽  
Hot Gas ◽  
Sic Composites

Experimental and theoretical work concerning the application of ceramic components in small high-temperature gas turbines has been performed for several years. The significance of some nonoxide ceramic materials for gas turbines in particular is based on their excellent high-temperature properties. The application of ceramic materials allows an increase of the turbine inlet temperature resulting in higher efficiencies and a reduction of pollution emissions. The inherent brittleness of monolithic ceramic materials can be virtually reduced by reinforcement with ceramic fibers leading to a quasiductile behavior. Unfortunately, some problems arise due to oxidation of these composite materials in the presence of hot gas flow containing oxygen. At the Motoren und Turbinen Union, Mu¨nchen GmbH, comprehensive investigations including strength, oxidation, and thermal shock tests of several materials that seemed to be appropriate for combustor liner applications were undertaken. As a result, C/C, SiC/SiC, and two C/SiC composites coated with SiC, as oxidation protection, were chosen for examination in a gas turbine combustion chamber. To prove the suitability of these materials under real engine conditions, the fiber-reinforced flame tubes were installed in a small gas turbine operating under varying conditions. The loading of the flame tubes was characterized by wall temperature measurements. The materials showed different oxidation behavior when exposed to the hot gas flow. Inspection of the C/SiC composites revealed debonding of the coatings. The C/C and SiC/SiC materials withstood the tests with a maximum cumulated test duration of 90 h without damage.

Introducing a New Test Rig for Film Cooling Measurements With Realistic Hole Inflow Conditions

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Fraas ◽  
Tobias Glasenapp ◽  
Achmed Schulz ◽  
Hans-Jörg Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Film Cooling ◽  
Gas Flow ◽  
Test Rig ◽  
Hot Gas ◽  
Cooling Hole ◽  
Measurement Principle ◽  
Density Ratios ◽  
Operational Range ◽  
Film Cooling Holes

Further improvements in film cooling require an in-depth understanding of the influencing parameters. Therefore, a new test rig has been designed and commissioned for the assessment of novel film cooling holes under realistic conditions. The test rig is designed for generic film cooling studies. External hot gas flow as well as internal coolant passage flow are simulated by two individual flow channels connected to each other by the cooling holes. Based on a similarity analysis, the geometry of the test rig is scaled up by a factor of about 20. It furthermore offers the possibility to conduct experiments at high density ratios and realistic approach flow conditions at both cooling hole exit and inlet. The operational range of the new test rig is presented and compared to real engine conditions. It is shown that the important parameters are met and the transfer-ability of the results is ensured. Special effort is put onto the uniformity of the approaching hot gas flow, which will be demonstrated by temperature and velocity profiles. A first measurement of the heat transfer coefficient without film cooling is used to demonstrate the quality of the measurement principle.

Experimental and Numerical Studies of Diesel Spray Evaporation and Combustion in a Gas Turbine Matrix Burner

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter Bohn ◽  
James F. Willie ◽  
Nils Ohlendorf
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Combustion Instability ◽  
Cone Angle ◽  
Spray Angle ◽  
Test Rig ◽  
Spray Cone Angle ◽  
Spray Cone ◽  
Flow Simulations ◽  
Air Inlet

Lean gas turbine combustion instability and control is currently a subject of interest for many researchers. The motivation for running gas turbines lean is to reduce NOx emissions. For this reason gas turbine combustors are being design using the Lean Premixed Prevaporized (LPP) concept. In this concept, the liquid fuel must first be atomized, vaporized and thoroughly premixed with the oxidizer before it enters the combustion chamber. One problem that is associated with running gas turbines lean and premixed is that they are prone to combustion instability. The matrix burner test rig at the Institute of Steam and Gas Turbines at the RWTH Aachen University is no exception. This matrix burner is suitable for simulating the conditions prevailing in stationary gas turbines. Till now this burner could handle only gaseous fuel injection. It is important for gas turbines in operation to be able to handle both gaseous and liquid fuels though. This paper reports the modification of this test rig in order for it to be able to handle both gaseous and liquid primary fuels. Many design issues like the number and position of injectors, the spray angle, nozzle type, droplet size distribution, etc. were considered. Starting with the determination of the spray cone angle from measurements, CFD was used in the initial design to determine the optimum position and number of injectors from cold flow simulations. This was followed by hot flow simulations to determine the dynamic behavior of the flame first without any forcing at the air inlet and with forcing at the air inlet. The effect of the forcing on the atomization is determined and discussed.

scholarly journals A Test Rig for the Realization of Water Recovery in a Steam-Injected Gas Turbine

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueyou Wen ◽  
Jiguo Zou ◽  
Zheng Fu ◽  
Shikang Yu ◽  
Lingbo Li
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Steam Injection ◽  
Water Recovery ◽  
Test Rig ◽  
Design Point ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Demineralized Water ◽  
Spiral Plate ◽  
Industrial Gas Turbine

Steam-injected gas turbines have a multitude of advantages, but they suffer from the inability to recover precious demineralized water. The present paper describes the test conditions and results of steam injection along with an attempt to achieve water recovery, which were obtained through a series of tests conducted on a S1A-02 small-sized industrial gas turbine. A water recovery device incorporating a compact finned spiral plate cooling condenser equipped with filter screens has been designed for the said gas turbine and a 100% water recovery (based on the design point) was attained.

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